Bowman Wants Greater Connection to City’s Universities

Mayoral candidate Brian Bowman wants to tap into the resources and expertise of the city’s post-secondary institutions to greater benefit Winnipeg students.

Speaking at the University of Manitoba on Thursday, Bowman unveiled a five-point plan to greater connect city hall to local universities.

Bowman’s plan would create new opportunities for students, improve community engagement and generate new ideas to fix Winnipeg’s crumbling infrastructure.

“Winnipeg is home to tremendous talent and research skills at universities and colleges that rank among the best in this country. It’s right here in our own city,” said Bowman. “When you have world class resources in your own city, I think you should use them. For years, City hall has seen these facilities as some other level of government. I see them as another opportunity.”

Bowman’s plan includes:

Support for a new research chair in municipal infrastructure in the faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba

Creation of an expert panel with representatives from Winnipeg’s post-secondary institutions to work with city staff to identify best practices and opportunities to improve efficiencies in infrastructure processes

Create a mayor’s scholars program, which will provide financial support to the best and brightest Grade 12 graduates in Winnipeg that are pursuing university or college in the city

Review and expand current internship and coop opportunities for talented students within the Winnipeg Public Service

Support the community engagement efforts of our universities and colleges